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Browns held virtual meeting with Northwestern CB Greg Newsome


Jeff Risdon
February 27, 2021 8:05 am
Normally at this time of year, the Cleveland Browns would be with all other NFL teams at the annual scouting combine in Indianapolis. The combine isn’t happening this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but one key part of the combine experience for teams is still happening virtually.

Player meetings and team interviews with the draft prospects are going on. One of the players the Browns are confirmed to have met with recently is a promising and interesting one, Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II.

Newsome is generally projected between No. 25 and No. 50 overall, a range that includes the Browns’ first pick at No. 26 overall. His ability to play the ball in the air and use his length and football savvy have made Newsome a hot prospect and one it’s encouraging to hear the Browns have met with already.


https://brownswire.usatoday.com/2021/02/...spect-meetings/

Given all the uncertainty around the CB position, this makes sense to me. Not reading anything into it concerning Greedy's return. Our lack of depth at that position is glaring. Obviously, a lot depends on free agency.

I've seen a few mocks with Newsome appearing in round 1.

Thanks for the post.

As far as corners, I don't know anything about the guy, but as far as not having enough capable players at a position, corner is about as close as it gets given the NFL trend to chuck the ball all over the field with wide open offensive sets.

Taking a corner at #1 could rarely be called a poor choice.

With meeting being held remotely, I was concerned we wouldn't be getting much of this information, and we probably won't since reporters won't be on site to see which teams are talking to which players, or which players are entering which teams interview room.

I hope we continue to get some of this information.

Unless his name is Justin Gilbert

You would think good scouting would have revealed who Gilbert really was?

What a waste. One thing that turns me off the most are prospects that will not work. And then blame coaches.


Corner in the NFL is a must position for quality and quantity. A truism "you can not have enough good corners."

I think coaches often overestimate their ability to get the most out of players.

I also wonder if works hard is overlooked when they're telling the GM the attributes they need at a certain position in their scheme.

Gilbert didn't have a doesn't work hard body. I think his problem was more focus. It can be hard to predict how suddenly becoming a millionaire will effect a young adult.

Well, we already have a leg up in this situation because we're actually interviewing this guy.

He's generally considered a 2nd round pick. At 59, sure.

I think you know what I was talking about...talking about the position choice and not so much about individual players.

The pick of Gilbert the player sucked. Selecting a corner didn't.

I understood what you meant. I was just playing around bit, thus the poke emoji.
Feels good to finally be able to enjoy a little humor from our past futilities.

agreed... even with a health greedy our DBs need upgrading...

. misread tweet.

Dude runs a 4.3

His pro day jumped him into the late first round according to some of the "Experts"

I ran a 4.2 at my pro day last week.

But that was in an 8 yard dash

Not sure how far it is from my kitchen to the bathroom. I did have to zig zag a bit to get there.

So...your shuttle drill time is even better then? Better still when you really have to P...I'd imagine.

Taking a Corner in the First Has Become Stupid.

The NFL Rules don't support it!

It has become as dumb as taking a kicker in the top 3 rounds.

Corners don't even lead your team in Int's anymore safeties do.

Corners are no longer allowed to effect games outcomes very much (By NFL PI rules) and in a whole career will almost be assured of never winning a game for you.

( Wish to spend a first round pick on a player who will never win a game for a team)
^ Say that out loud, realize this is 2020, not 1982 and

Hope the Browns don't again make a wrong choice of a first round corner.

The Win loss records of the Browns from 1999-2020, tend to support that it's stupid to take a corner in the first.
They did it a bunch and
They had 12 loss seasons a bunch.

Plus, in the past, since whenever Trey Williams, Kwan Willliams was on the team,
The Browns have had better play and more production from
Free agent pick ups, average also rans, and guys who weren't supposed to be any good,

when it comes to making plays at Cornerback and DB in general,
than they have had from draft picks, especially first round ones.

It's about the most proven stupidest thing the team can do, short of Eric Mangini trading most draft pics for jets' backups.

Don't draft a corner in the first,
Kevin Johnson, and Terrence Mitchell were your most healthy wise, available corners in 2020, (I think),
maybe what's his name, who played terrible.

His fastest times have been clocked the day prior to a colonoscopy.

Why is this thread stretched two miles wide??

Browns have met with UCLA RB/WR Demetric Felton

Jeff Risdon
March 12, 2021 2:50 pm

The Cleveland Browns have shown some interest in one of the most versatile players in the 2021 NFL draft. Per Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Browns recently held a virtual meeting with UCLA running back/wide receiver Demetric Felton.

The 5-9, 190-pound Felton did a little of everything for the Bruins in his college career. He racked up 132 carries, 22 receptions and eight kickoff returns in six games in 2020 after notching 86 carries and 55 receptions in 2019. Felton can line up as a running back, a slot receiver or even split wide.

Felton generally projects in the fourth/fifth round as a receiver prospect who can also double as a perimeter-oriented RB. He’s got electric footwork and good balance through contact. Felton worked out at receiver during January’s Senior Bowl.

na...I just sit at the finish line for a couple of hours.

While, at first blush, you make a fairly compelling argument, I completely disagree. The reason why it appears the way you say is because getting just ONE in the first does you little good, especially in today's NFL. That's because you need at least THREE that are that good or you are going to get eaten up by any QB that can read a defense. Now, I won't say you need three first round CB's, but you need three with the talent level that you'd expect from a first round pick.... first three rounds for certain.

As long as teams keep putting first round WR's on the field, you will need first round quality CB's.

I agree. Even though rules do hamper the ability of corners, that makes in all the more imperative the ones you do line up are as as good as possible.

As long as other teams select corners in round 1, you best do the same fairly often.

I agree with all of what you said except for the compelling argument. We picked 3 CBs in the first round in the 21 years referred to (2 of them had pro bowl/all-pro seasons with the Browns). We had 3 DTs, 3 OL and 5 QBs in that same period. By the same argument, we should stop drafting those positions in the first round too (hopefully we don't need to draft a QB there in a long, long time).

The last 5 years Safeties have a slight lead in the top 10 (plus ties) in INT (32-29), though last 2 years, CB has a lead (15-10), so there's a little argument there 2017-2018.

As you stated, "I won't say you need three first round CB's, but you need three with the talent level that you'd expect from a first round pick.... first three rounds for certain.".

Didn't somebody on this board prove a couple years ago, ...

that the Browns' were drafting, anyone in a position group, that,

had the top numbers in some metric, (I want to say long jumping) but it was something different,

maybe, Kinetic, explosive, muscle energy drill, and if anyone knows/ remembers,

It'd be cool to check a list of who is leading that measurement this time around, and see how many of those end up on the Browns.

Unfortunately the site that had the SPARQ (Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness) numbers and converted them to NFL comparison percentiles isn't around any more.

Edit: used to be 3sigmaathlete.com but the domain is expired

It was both of the jumps. It shows explosion.

I don't think it was quite so cut and dry that is all we were looking for

The way it goes "THROW" is in the first round its all about individual talent if there is a great talent that is a CB then you get him. The harder the rules get the more important actually it is to go get yourself a talented rookie it is not a waste of a pick. Like many picks some become HOF talent and some do become busts. But a good CB is very vital to a defense. Especially if you have a DL like the which we would like to build. Where 4 can go after the QB and provide extensive pressure, but you can also man up and then go all out on the blitz which is certain failure for the QB unless they make a quick decision and if you got studs at the CB they are there to defend that quick decision. TURNOVERS by our defense and stops 3 or 7 and outs gives our POTENT offense the ball and quite frankly the more of that we have the more we will win.

We are in this to win a Championship and not only one year but a DYNASTY!!!

jmho

.

No question I would love to get Horn.

However, in light of the injury to Farley. No way Horn makes it to 26.

IMO the Browns will go corner or big man on defense.

I do not believe they will draft a linebacker.

So we are interviewing edge guys and corners...

to the surprise of no one.

Caleb Farley draft stock slipping following microdiscectomy?

Following the news of his upcoming microdiscectomy procedure, what is the latest Tony Pauline is hearing on Caleb Farley’s draft stock?

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/caleb-farley-draft-stock-slipping-following-microdiscectomy/

What is microdiscectomy?

Spinal surgery once meant large incisions, long recovery periods, and painful rehab. Fortunately, surgical advances like the microdiscectomy procedure have improved the process.

Microdiscectomy, also sometimes called microdecompression or microdiskectomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed on patients with a herniated lumbar disc.

During this surgery, a surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.

Recovery time

The recovery time is shorter than other, more invasive procedures. Most people can expect to leave the hospital that same day, or within 24 hours.

You’ll likely meet with a physical therapist and occupational therapist before leaving the hospital. These therapists will give you instructions on how to reduce the bending, lifting, and twisting you do with your back.

The therapist may tell you what exercises you can do to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles around your spine.

You should avoid driving, sitting for a prolonged period, lifting anything heavy, and bending over immediately after the surgery. Although you won’t be able to resume normal activities immediately, your lifestyle shouldn’t be greatly impacted.

For the first week or two, you may need to reduce your workload or be absent from work while you recover. You’ll also need to avoid lifting heavy objects for 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. This generally includes anything more than 5 pounds.

You may also need to slowly progress your way back to normal physical activity. For example, you may not be able to resume exercise or physical hobbies for 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure. The typical time to a full recovery is about 6 weeks.

https://www.healthline.com/health/microdiscectomy#recovery

There is a lot more information about the procedure. Risks involved and so forth. I just posted the parts I felt were most pertinent.

This seems like something you would not want to have done if you are a football player.

If your back is hurting you would, but I understand your point. No doubt some teams might shy away.

I had a discectomy done several years ago. It was an in and out procedure, with me being at the hospital for about 2 hours total.

Listened to him talk about it. Then read what you had posted earlier.

He may drop on some Boards. But in the end I doubt that it will affect where he ends up going.

He is really good. And corner is a premium position.

If he was there when we picked. I would hope we take him.

Surtain, Farley, Horn I would be thrilled to get any of them.

My favorite player in this draft though is Koramoah.

But I doubt we get him.

If Paye makes it to 16ish, I'd at least make some calls about what it would take to move up. He's the player I want most in this draft, however unlikely it is.

Kwity Paye is fun to say.

That might not be out of the range, but probably a little high.

If we swapped with someone and gave up our best 3rd rounder we could get up to 21...maybe 20 with a 7th round kick in. Add in one of the 4th rounders, maybe up another 2 slots.

I think 16 is too low. I think he'll go around 10. He's a freak athlete that didn't get the huge numbers because Michigan played a weird defense, and aldo played Paye out of position a lot because their inside DL weren't as good.

My bad. Maybe I wasn't clear. I was talking about how high we might start looking around if we are looking to trade up. That is why I went in to pick values and what we might have to give up to move up to #20.

We might look at using one of the 3rds to move up. Maybe add in a 4th to get a couple of picks higher.

There was once a movie called "Pooty Tang." Kinda has the same rhythm.

It reminded me of Kramer and George doing the "duty-free" chant on Seinfeld ... "I like to stop at the duty free shop.".

What a ta? I'mma sign your pitty on the runny kine!

I have mixed feeling about Collins.

His tape shows a good Mike linebacker with good instincts.

He is a big guy at 6'4" 260. There are edge players smaller than that.

He is expected to run a 4.8.

IMO the Browns will not go linebacker in the first. It is not a position they want to spend big at. They do place a premium at corner. Where both Ward and Greedy have had injury history. That is where there are likely to find a good value at 26.

There is so much speed in the NFL today. Three wideout formations. Double TE's who are pass catchers. Plenty of RPO's with backs that can catch and go.

4.8 speed playing in the middle could be a big problem.

You can not use a first round pick on a two down player.

Collins looks like a good player but I do not see him as a fit for the Browns.

How about we let him have his Pro Day before label him DOA ?

Tulsa LB Zaven Collins has envisioned rushing with Myles Garrett: ‘Yeah, that quarterback’s probably going to be in trouble’

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2021/04...in-trouble.html


CLEVELAND, Ohio — Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins has already envisioned what it would be like exploding off the edge with Myles Garrett.

“Yeah, that quarterback’s probably in trouble,’' Collins said on a Zoom conference Thursday on the eve of his Pro Day.

One of the players the Browns have scouted for their No. 26 overall pick in the draft, Collins sees some similarities between himself and Garrett, who finished sixth in the NFL with 12 sacks.

“Yeah, so he’s a bigger dude too. He’s a little bit bigger than me and he moves well, bends around the corner,’' Collins said. “We’re honestly in two different positions but [he has a] great motor, great knowledge of the game, phenomenal athlete. He’s just got God-given abilities that you can’t argue with God, so that’s what puts him above a lot of people, plus his work ethic.’'

Despite growing up in tiny Hominy, Oklahoma, population 3,565, Collins wasn’t much of a Baker Mayfield fan because they were so close in age. When Collins was starring at quarterback, linebacker and safety in high school — leading his team to a 14-0 record and the Class A state title as a senior — Mayfield was lighting it up for the Sooners.

“Baker was actually just a few years older than me, so I was never really like a fan,’' Collins said. “My redshirt year and his last year, we were in college at the same time, so I never got to be a fan. But I was a fan of people from OU like Adrian Peterson, Sam Bradford, Gerald Mccoy, Sterling Shepard, some other big wideouts and running backs, some people like that.’'

But Collins can become a Mayfield fan in a hurry if the Browns draft him, like some experts predict could happen.

“I’ve been in contact with the Browns a little bit,’' Collins said. “I love the organization. I love the program. I love all the coaches there. I think it’s just one of those things like I have no choice. Wherever I’m going to go, I’m going to fit in because I know I will. I’ve done it every time in my life.

“I like to be around people, enjoy people, make people’s day better and it seems like they have that going in their program already. They’ve completely changed the culture the last couple years, and it seems like a great program.”

If the Browns call his name at No. 26, their first contact will have to be by phone. He’s decided not to attend the draft in Cleveland, April 29-May 1.

“I’m going to do it at home with family, all my friends around me,’' he said. “I’m sure that air will be so thick and then whenever you’re waiting on your name to be called, you’ll be able to cut it with a knife. It’s going to be pretty crazy that day, but it’s something I look forward to.”



A redshirt junior, Collins’ stock skyrocketed in 2020 when he dominated every game he played en route to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy awarded to the nation’s best defender. Despite an abbreviated eight-game season due to COVID-19, he registered 54 tackles, 11 1/2 for a loss, four sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and a recovery.

“We got a chance to play (amid the pandemic) and I went out and just went crazy and my draft stock kind of went up from five or six to three and then it jumped up to one and I was kinda like, ‘oh, man, this got out of hand quick,’’' he said.

By the end of the season, the first round was his goal, and now he’s upped the ante.

“I want to be plus-20 pick, plus-15 pick,’' he said. “I’m sure some people will say I’m crazy, but it’s just something I’ve to set for myself to keep me going, to keep me driven.’'

Collins, who’s projected by some as a 3-4 outside linebacker, believes he excel in any scheme and at multiple positions. Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods will run plenty of his preferred 4-2-5 alignment this season.

“I [tell teams] any position that allows me to run, move freely, not confine me to really one side, to let me be really involved in the defense is what’s going to best suit me mostly because I just have a knack for the football, I like being around the football, like being able to run,’' he said. “So in some defenses it’s very suitable for me to be in the outside linebacker position and in some defenses it’s not so suitable because you’re strictly basically like a rush end. But it’s something I’m open to.”

Joe Marino, Senior Draft Analyst for The Draft Network, had the utmost praise for Collins.

“Collins offers an exciting blend of size, length, power, football intelligence, and versatility that makes him a dynamic prospect for the NFL,’' he wrote in his draft profile. “Whether it’s defending the run, dropping into coverage, or rushing the passer, Collins has the requisite skill set required to execute and was arguably the most dynamic defensive playmaker in college football for the 2020 season.

“He demonstrated notable growth in 2020, becoming a complete defender and making high-impact, clutch plays seemingly every week. The [Bill] Belichick disciples and teams that deploy that style of defense are likely salivating over Collins’ skill set and he projects as an impact defender in the NFL that can make plays in a variety of ways.’'

Collins noted that he doesn’t really have a comp in the NFL “because most linebackers like me have disappeared. Brian Urlacher is probably my size and some other ones, but as far as true people my size, they’re usually on the edge rushing.

“If you go watch the film, I come off the edge on third down, or I can sink into coverage. I can be in man-coverage on third and long or I can be coming through the middle on a blitz whenever it’s third and short. I do all of those things just because our defense allowed it to happen.’'

NFL Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Collins ranked as his 24th best player on his board, “so he’s in my top 32 for sure. The only concern is, the instincts are good, not great, not like an elite level we’ve seen with Devin White or Devin Bush, some top linebackers that have come out over the last few years.

“[But] what makes him so unique is this is a 6′4”, 260-pound package that’s doing all this stuff. He’s really good in coverage. Zaven Collins gives you a lot of different options with things you can do with him.’'

Raised by a single mom ‘in the middle of nowhere,’ Collins prides himself on his simple lifestyle.

“My background is basically old school,’' he said. “I’m from a small town, country. I like to enjoy be outside. I like to be outdoors. I like to enjoy family, friends, church on Sundays. That’s basically what I am. I’ve been raised that way for my entire life, and I really don’t plan on changing.’'

His small-town roots, however, cost him a chance at a powerhouse college: he had only two offers coming out, from Tulsa and Central Oklahoma.

“They told me that I had all the tangibles,’' he said. “I was valedictorian, I had a great ACT score, all my grades were right, I had no off-field issues. Everything was perfect, I played well enough, they just said that my school was too small and my level of competition was not high enough to translate over to the D-I level and they didn’t want to take a chance on a guy like me. So, yeah, I kinda told some of those people to p— off.’'

The snubs drove him to become a consensus All-American and winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award for the best defensive player in the country and Lombardi Award for the best college football player at any position. They still drive him today as he heads into his Pro Day and the draft.

“I’ve had a lot of coaches tell me I wasn’t good enough just based my school size,’' he said. “I’m tired of being the little man, so it’s time that we kind of made a statement for Tulsa and put them back on the map because we’re just as good as anyone else out there in between the hashes.’'

And as for Collins, he’s shaping up to be better than most.

What does the tape look like when playing faster players?
That's all that really matters.

If there are big, fast guys that smoke guys regularly, but he hangs with them, that's all that matters. If he was getting toasted at the college level, then he's going to get toasted at the NFL level.

The deal with Collins is:

How would the Browns plan to use him?

That is it in a nutshell.

I can not answer that question. Collins looks good on tape.

I have not done enough research to know his role with TU.

In the end I just do not believe the Browns will use a first round pick on a linebacker.

Unless a player is there at 26 that Berry feels would make a huge impact on the defense and play three downs.

Devon White type guy.

Bone, we all have our opinions and it's great to talk about them on this forum. However, I'm sure our FO and coaching staff knows exactly who they want at #26 and let's face it, they know more than we do. Still, It will be fun to continue these discussions for the next 3-4 weeks.

Those numbers are decent.

Again scheme fit is the key. But he ran better than what was expected.

No doubt.

In the past I honestly believe a blind person throwing darts at a board of names could have done better.

But, I am totally relaxed about how Berry and his staff will handle this draft.

Completely confident.

At this point it is just fun guess work and something to talk about.

If you have a Coaching staff that can't figure out how to use Collin's skills ; You got a problem !

Stop sleeping on Kentucky LB Jamin Davis 🔥

4.37 40
42 inch vertical
11'0 broad

The best part is his tape. This guy is a faster version of Darrius Leonard.

He is a very intriguing guy.

Exactly. I also like what I've read about Jamin Davis the LB from Kentucky as well as Pete Werner from Ohio State although he might be a 3rd rounder.

[/color]

Originally Posted By: Hammer

Stop sleeping on Kentucky LB Jamin Davis 🔥

4.37 40
42 inch vertical
11'0 broad

The best part is his tape. This guy is a faster version of Darrius Leonard.

[color:#FFCC33]I just read a mock draft where we took Davis in the 2nd round

If we do draft him in the 2nd round, we will have to move to the top of the round. We won't get him where we currently reside.

We do have the trade capitol to do just that... if that's the plan

Jamin probably solidified himself in the top 6 off-ball LBer's.

I still only have Parsons and JOK in my top 25 (1st round guys).
Zaven Collins will probably get some attention either late 1st or early 2nd, so that leaves Nick Bolton, Jabril Cox and Jamin Davis as the "2nd tier" guys I'd be OK with in round two (though I'm not too big on Bolton).

There is a bit of a drop after that for 3rd round guys like the OSU boys (IMO).

There have been first round Browns picks in the past that literally have made me sick to my stomach.

Most I have been like; "well we will have to wait and see."

If we get this guy. I will ecstatic.

On tape he fits the part of "smart, tough, accountable."

He is one guy in this draft that looks like "can not miss."

The guy on tape makes plays so consistently.

I am glad we are looking at him closely.

Sounds fabulous. Think he might be there or do we trade up to be sure. These numbers, to me, might place him among the BPA mix after round one. Will he fall at all?

The Cleveland Browns continue to investigate draft prospects in advance of the 2021 NFL draft, which kicks off in Cleveland in just two weeks. One of the latest names to come out as having met with the Browns is West Virginia defensive tackle Darius Stills.

Justin Melo of The Draft Network confirmed the Browns meeting in a recent interview with Stills.

The 6-0, 285-pound Stills played nose tackle for the Mountaineers in their odd 3-3-5 defensive scheme. He doesn’t have near the size or strength to hold up on the nose in the NFL, but the technique he learned doing it in college makes him an intriguing late-round fit. Stills has very good hands, quick feet and is the kind of guy who plays through every whistle.